Do Alloy Pulleys Make More Noise Than Plastic or POM?

This is a common concern among performance-focused riders and professional mechanics. To find the answer, TOKEN’s engineering team took on the challenge.

We went straight to the root cause of drivetrain noise—the angle, contact area, and frequency of engagement between the chain and the pulley wheels. Through repeated analysis and testing, we discovered that when the chain enters the derailleur from various angles, conventional pulley tooth profiles often fail to guide it smoothly. This leads to inconsistent contact and micro-friction, which are key contributors to the higher noise levels commonly associated with alloy pulleys.

To address this issue, we developed the Conti-Wave® patented tooth profile. This design features a continuous chamfer and wave-shaped teeth that reduce the contact area between the pulley teeth and the chain’s inner plates by 82.5%, ensuring smooth and quiet chain engagement—even under varying chain entry angles.

Test results speak for themselves: CNC alloy pulleys equipped with Conti-Wave tooth profile produced lower noise levels than standard OEM POM pulleys, effectively debunking the myth that "alloy pulleys are always noisier."

For riders who appreciate the high precision, low friction, and long service life of alloy jockey wheels—but don’t want to be bothered by drivetrain noise—this is the solution you’ve been waiting for.